By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
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Basque, place name
Name taken from a hermitage dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Aitzpea was the name of Basque actress and director Aitzpea Goenaga.
Medieval variation of Esmee
Zelfa is the name of British actor Skandar Keynes' mother, as well as (male) boxer Zelfa Barrett.
Variation of Clotilde
"famous in battle"
This variation removes the d from the original spelling, making it even rarer. Clotilde may not see much usage in the US, but it is currently Number 431 in France.
Likely a play on Maxine and Lucille, Maxzille combines the trendy Max with the frilly -ille ending and adds in a z for good measure.
Surname name
Originally a surname name, Mellette has a distinctly feminine feel thanks to the -ette suffix. It was given to 6 American girls in 1967, which sums up its popularity. Mellette is a small city in…
Though this name may seem unfamiliar and out of place these days, it enjoyed some use around the turn of the twentieth century. With little information about the history of this name available, it's…
English word name
"unaccompanied"
Solo is a singular word name with special meaning for Star Wars fans. Equally appropriate for girls and boys, it works especially well in the middle.
Nordic variation of Alberta
Good choice if you want to avoid connections with the Canadian province, but the confusing spelling is probably not worth the hassle.
Swedish variation of Barbara
Even in Sweden, Barbara is preferred. If you're looking for a variation to spice up Barbara, you may want to instead consider Varvara or Barabal.
Welsh variation of Gladys
Although it gives of a somewhat Spanish vibe (a la Beatriz), Gladez is in fact a Welsh variation of the more familiar English name Gladys. That being said, while around 5 girls are named Gladys each…
Hungarian variation of Louisa
Very similar to the more familiar Louisa.
Place-name
This name of the North Dakota city has been used for at least one female (we know, because she wrote to us) but it doesn't meet the Social Security's five-baby threshold to ever make it onto the…
Dutch variation of Ina
Ina is a name that is used on its own but that originated as a short form of any name that ends in -ina, so Ineke is kind of a pet form of a diminutive. A rare name in the US, Ineke is not really…
Astronomical name
Antares is a star in the Scorpio constellation, making it one of the perfect names for Scorpio babies . It is the fifteenth-brightest star in the night sky, appearing as a reddish star when viewed…
Greek Mythology
"of keen gaze"
The name of the ferrymen of dead souls to the Greek underworld and the name of Pluto's desolate moon, Charon makes an interesting, if somewhat macabre, choice for a baby. There are two pronunciations…
Irish
"end of harvest season"
Samhain is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter (usually halfway between the equinox and solstice). Today it often coincides with the…
French
"determined thing"
Voltaire is the nom-de-plume of François-Marie Arouet, who became noted for his witty and satirical takes on enlightenment philosophy and Western society. Voltaire's most famous work, Candide , used…
Egyptian
"(she who) tightens the throat, (she who) causes the throat to breathe"
Also spelled Selqet, Serket and Serqet, Selket was the Ancient Egyptian goddess of the scorpions and of magic. She was a helpful goddess and protected souls on their journey to the afterlife. She is…
The name Lamarr could be a great choice for those looking for a name that has both brains and beauty in its pedigree. The extraordinary Hedy Lamarr was not only a gorgeous and talented film actress…
